Ricardo Valencia said he is the only authentic candidate in the race for 5th District Santa Barbara County Supervisor.
Valencia appears on the latest episode of the podcast “Santa Barbara Talks” with Josh Molina.
A teacher and Santa Maria-Bonita School District board member, Valencia is running against Santa Maria City Councilmember Maribel Aguilera and Cory Bantilan, chief of staff to current supervisor Steve Lavagnino.
In this episode, Valencia talks about growing up in Guadalupe, living in Santa Maria, as well as his views on ICE, Sable, housing and public safety.
The candidate has made protecting families from ICE deportations a priority.
“I have been doing this work,” Valencia said. “I have been advocating for our immigrant families, not just when it is campaign season.”
Here are some highlights from the episode:
- Valencia talks about his personal background, growing up poor with undocumented parents and overcoming adversity
- His views on authentic representation in politics and local leadership
- His fight against ICE and advocating for immigrant rights
- The balance between environmental concerns and job preservation, especially around oil and green energy
- Strategies for managing the county budget
- The management of local infrastructure in Guadalupe
- The importance of door-to-door canvassing and voter engagement
- Differentiating himself from opponents through community ties and policy stances
